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Crispy Super Bowl Loaded Queso Ranch Chicken Cups

crispy loaded queso ranch chicken cups - featured image

These crispy tortilla cups filled with a creamy, cheesy ranch chicken mixture are perfect for game day, potlucks, or any casual gathering. They combine nostalgic flavors with a crispy, golden shell and gooey, cheesy centers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works wonders here)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Cabot recommended)
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • ¼ cup diced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
  • Cooking spray or a little olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Jalapeño slices (optional, for garnish)
  • Sour cream or extra ranch for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray your muffin tin with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the tortilla cups by gently pressing each tortilla into a muffin cup to form a bowl. Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) if needed to make them pliable. Spray or brush the exposed edges with olive oil for extra crispness.
  3. Bake the tortilla cups for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth. Add shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, diced green onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until evenly combined.
  5. Spoon the chicken queso ranch mixture into each tortilla cup, packing lightly and leaving a little room at the top. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top.
  6. Bake again for 10-12 minutes until filling is heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with cilantro leaves and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve warm with extra ranch or sour cream for dipping.

Notes

Warm tortillas slightly before shaping to prevent cracking. Brush edges with oil for crispiness. Don’t overfill cups to avoid spills. Let cups cool 2-3 minutes before handling to set filling. For gluten-free, use fresh corn tortillas. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese and dairy-free ranch. Air fryer can be used at 350°F for 6-8 minutes as an alternative to oven baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Super Bowl, loaded queso, ranch chicken, crispy cups, finger food, game day snack, easy appetizer